Animated mechanical toy



G. M. STEEL ANIMATED MECHANICAL TQY Filed Sept. 18, 1935 Patented Feb. 4, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 3 Claims.

This invention relates to an improved mechanical toy, and the primary object of the invention resides in the provision of a simple, interesting and amusement furnishing device which, through the release of a resilient band, will impart motion to certain movable parts of the toy.

In accordance with the present invention, a mechanical toy is provided consisting of a base carrying spaced vertical uprights upon which is mounted for rotation about a horizonal axis a. suspended rigid figure. Also connected with the base is an elastic band which is normally held in a stretched or taut condition by a releasable trigger, the arrangement being such that upon actuation of the trigger, sudden contraction of the band takes place and during the motion of the band from its stretched to its relaxed or normal condition, the said band engages with the suspended figure, causing rapid rotation thereof 7 around its horizontal axis of support.

It is another object of the invention to provide a second movable device disposed in the path of rotation of the suspended figure so that when the latter is actuated by the release of the elastic band, the suspended figure will engage with the second movable device to cause change in position thereof.

A still further object of the invention resides in the provision of a simple, inexpensive and easily operated mechanical toy of the type set forth,

particularly adapted for the amusement of children and wherein the construction of the toy is such that it is not likely to readily become out of order or to require frequent repair.

For a further understanding of the invention reference is to be had to the following description and the accompanying drawing wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the mechanical toy comprising the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a vertical transverse sectional view;

Fig. 3 is a detail vertical longitudinal sectional view of the trigger means;

Fig. 4 is a detail side elevation disclosing the path of swinging movement of the primary movable figure.

Referring more particularly to the drawing, the numeral I designates the base of the toy, which may be of sheet 'metal or other suitable material. Arising from the base are vertical posts I 2--2 which, at their upper ends, carry a transversely and horizontally extending bar 3. Rotatable about the axis afforded by the bar 3 is a normally depending and suspended figure or automaton 4, which may take a form simulating that of an acrobat, with the hands of the figure engaging the bar 3 for rigid turning movement about the axis of the latter.

In order to spin or turn the automaton, the base I is provided at one end with hooks or other fasteners 5, with which is engaged an elastic 5 band B. The latter is adapted to be stretched and engage with a shoulder 1 provided in connection with a trigger 8 which is pivotally mounted as at 9 on brackets carried by the base I. It will be seen that by the release of the stretched 10 band, which may be elfected through the actuation of the trigger 8, the rapid movement of the band in moving between its stretched and relaxed state, engages the lower portion of the automaton and causes the latter to spin or rotate about the 15 axis provided by the bar 3. It is this movement of the automaton that gives the toy its primary appeal to the users or players thereof.

As shown in Fig. 4, when the automaton rotates, after being struck by the contracting elastic 20 band, the swinging movement of the automaton, and the fact that it is of rigid inflexible design, may cause its engagement with a ball or other secondary movable figure H), which is normally supported by a bracket 1 i projecting from an up- 25 right l2, arranged at one end of the base I. In addition, the secondary figure may be connected with the upright l2 by a cord 13 to prevent loss.

The toy or game described is particularly adapted for the amusement of younger people, al- 30 though of course it may be played or actuated by anyone. It is also within the scope of the invention to make various minor changes in the construction thereof without departure from the invention disclosed. For instance, the elastic 35 band may be dispensed with and mechanical spring means employed in its place. However, I prefer the elastic hand because of its low cost and the fact that it may be readily replaced by a new one whenever desired. The trigger 8 may be retained in its active position holding the elastic band in its stretched or taut condition without manual assistance, or by means of the pivoted latch l4. On the other hand, said latch may 45 be dispensed with and the trigger operated entirely through finger control.

What is claimed is:

1. A mechanical toy of the character set forth comprising a base, an upright frame arising from 50 the central portion of said base, a rigid automaton suspended from said frame for turning movement about a substantially horizontal axis, and an elastic band mounted in connection with said base and arranged to engage with the lower por- 55 tion of said automaton when said band is suddenly released following extension thereof.

2. The structure as specified in claim 1, in combination with a manually operated releasing device carried by said base and disposed for engagement with said band when the latter is in a stretched or extended condition.

3. The structure as specified in claim 1 in combination with a secondary movable object supported in connection with said base and disposed in the path of movement of said automaton as the latter rotates about said horizontal axis. 5

GLADSTONE M. STEEL. 

